Frozen Fun: Fish, Friends & Family

Kelli McRobert | Jan 26, 2022

January gave all the winter enthusiasts a run for their money.  A brutal winter storm blanketed the region with up to 2’ of snow and then the temperature dropped considerably flash freezing everything in place. For those who managed to dig out, briefly during the milder temperatures, there was a blissful peacefulness, white, clean, quiet, and fresh.  It was not long before you could hear the dull roar of sleds as they fired up, eager to plow through some fresh powder.

The recently expanded parking area in Verona, became a hub of activity starting first thing in the morning as trailers unloaded and passengers bundled up to endure the frigid windchills, often reaching -35 and skin aching when left exposed for too long. As I headed south the trails were alive with pedestrians and sleds, each sharing the well-groomed trails that are beautifully lined with carved wooden posts, snaking their way through the sheltered forest. OPP had set up near the Godfrey store, yellow jackets standing out against the brilliant snow and wooded background, warning you that a stop was impending. These officers were confirming those participating in the outdoors were doing so legally and safely, with random stops along the trails. The week of January 20th is International Snow Mobile Safety Week and it seemed appropriate to see them out in full force.

This area is popular for locals to get outside, by whatever means possible. With the lockdown continuing, many are looking for outdoor activities to keep them active and some were excited to have the temperature plummet long enough to provide a thick coating on the dark waters of Verona Lake. Verona Lake sits on the east side of Hwy 38 and reaches a maximum depth of 35’ and provides recreational enthusiasts 1.9KM of distance with waters flowing from Howes Lake to the north and then exiting south through Hardwood Creek.

When I arrived, a makeshift rink had been shoveled off and was ready for the young and young-at-heart to strap on some blades and have a quick pick-up game of hockey. A family was pulling a toboggan with their golden retriever proudly prancing in his new winter boots as his mom and dad crunched through the fresh snow as they traversed the lake exploring areas normally not accessible by foot.

I left the comfort of my warm vehicle and began the breezy walk towards the south end of the lake. In the distance I could see a miniature ‘village’ set up with figures moving about and vehicles, sleds, and huts perfectly positioned (prime real estate) with billows of smoke gently wisping from the chimneys. Laughter could be heard as it echoed towards me, I was eager to see what ice fishing was all about and I was not disappointed.

Upon my arrival, there were some looks of apprehension, a stranger approaching, I set their minds at ease and within minutes was warmly welcomed with friendly red-faced smiles and a pleasant bantering amongst the group that clearly keeps them warm during the frigid late afternoons. Some had come on their sleds as Verona, and the surrounding area, boasts the beautiful K&P Trails, and some came with their trucks each bringing an item to make the makeshift ‘camp’ warm and inviting. One hut had all the kit, with music, video monitor, seating and even a lovely warm stove that crackled and comforted me as I listened to their stories with interest and ease.

I asked what they did during their gatherings and was told that ‘today we are celebrating a birthday’ and both friends and family were enjoying the outing with food, drink, music, laughter, and stories they will share for years to come. It is “something we do on the weekends and have been doing for years” I was told by the vibrant Stephanie. When I asked Laura T. how old she was, “27, I said?” …she laughed and said, “let’s go with that”, as her friends mouthed her real age to me secretly from behind.

Family members came and went between the various cabins while checking their lines and I was shown “a big one” on camera that was set up to monitor the hole, “impressive”, I say and very tech savvy, the fish looked huge, but what do I know. An adorable pug named ‘Louie’ snorted a friendly hello as he tried to incessantly rub off the dog-jacket his mom had made him wear. He was less than impressed as he moved about the camp looking for something that may pull it off at just the right angle.

“Most days the catch is pretty good”, I was told, and they were hopeful that today would be no different. For those wondering, there is a good selection of large and smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, bluegill, black crappie, and yellow perch in this lake. We chatted for awhile longer as they shared some fun stories of the area, and it was clear that this is a great winter activity that gets people outside enjoying the fresh air, good food, and great company one hut at a time.

For those interested in trying it out, 4 times a year is free fishing:

February 19-21, 2022 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday)

May 7 & 8, 2022 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday)

June 18 & 19, 2022 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday)

July 2-10, 2022 (12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday)

For more information on things to do in Canada check out: www.todocanada.ca and various rules surrounding fishing: www.ontario.ca/page/ice-fishing